FIFTH District Representative Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo urged the people of La Castellana and the whole district not to panic after a 43-year-old male driver was tested positive for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
"I am urging the people of my district not to panic because the patient who was tested positive has been quarantined since April 11 in a facility after he informed the LGU (local government unit) of La Castellana that his employer tested positive for the virus. He also underwent home quarantine upon his arrival from Pavia, Iloilo last March 13," Arroyo said.
Arroyo also assured that she will extend assistance to the patient, who is a resident of Barangay Nato, La Castellana. He is the second Covid-19 case from the province and the first case in the Fifth District.
The patient, who was the driver of a recently confirmed Covid-19 positive couple (WV27 and WV38) from Pavia, Iloilo, tested positive for Covid-19. He is currently in a quarantine facility, is stable and asymptomatic, while both his wife and child tested negative for the virus.
Arroyo verified that the family of the patient will receive assistance from her and that proper communication between the patient and the municipality is being made to ensure that government set protocols in dealing with Covid-19 situation are strictly being implemented.
"I received confirmation from Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan that one resident from the town of La Castellana tested positive for Covid-19. It's an unfortunate situation particularly for the family of the patient. Rest assured that I am extending my assistance to help lessen the impact of this pandemic to his family. In the meantime, I am continuously appealing to my constituents to stay at home and listen to orders from the government. Let us heal as one. Maghalong kita tanan," Arroyo added.
Meanwhile, Arroyo also condemned the brutal ambush allegedly perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, which is in her district.
"I especially condemn the violent acts that were carried out during a time when all people both in government and the private sector should be doing their utmost to combat the effects of Covid-19 in unison. The slain victims of this attack instigated by the heartless perpetrators were simply heeding their call of duty and upholding the oaths they took to defend our constitution and protect our people.
"I firmly believe that this difficult time brought on by the spread of Covid-19 should have been a unifying factor that would lead us to set our differences aside and join all Filipinos, and the entire world in fighting the deadly effects of the Covid-19 virus, and not each other," Arroyo said.
She also appealed to our brothers and sisters in uniform to hold steadfast to their commitment even now.
"I hope that they are not demoralized by this unfortunate event, but instead, inspired by the bravery displayed by the members of our Philippine Army under the direct supervision of Col. Inocencio Pasaporte.
"On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Negros Occidental, I salute the victims; Second Lieutenant Ralph Almente Abibico, Corporal Joel Nobleza, PFC Carl Venice Bustamante of the 94th Infantry Battalion.
"To the families of the victims, I hope that you may be somewhat consoled by the fact that you have either a husband, father, son...a relative whom you can be proud of. Although it may be a small consolation for you at this time, rest assured that I am extending my assistance to you during this difficult time, and that I am extending assistance to your loved ones' brothers-in-arms who survived the attack, as well. You have our support, prayers and sympathy in this moment of grief," Arroyo added.